Caroline’s Kitchen, Home of #Tamale Magic
411 W Main St, Suite A, Tomball, Texas 77375
281-516-8117
Hours
Tuesday – Friday 10am to 5pm
Saturday 9am to 3pm
Sunday 11am to 4pm
Monday Closed
In selecting eateries for The Best of Cypress, Places to Eat, I normally make it a point to feature Cypress
owned and operated restaurants. Due to popular demand, however, I made a trip out to Caroline’s
Kitchen in Tomball, to see what all the hype was about.
Caroline's Kitchen is an eclectic little establishment that fits perfectly within the Tomball Main Street
vibe. The cozy keto bakery and tamale kitchen are run by a woman with a deep love, a passion for her
food, for those that flock to Caroline’s from across the state, and for her family. “We are a family
business; my husband Chad, my kids, they all are a part of what we do!” explains owner, Caroline Cobell.
Ricketta Mills is a fan. “Caroline not only makes amazing tamales, she is by far one of the sweetest,
loving people I have met. You walk in, and you feel like you're at home.” “All I try to do is the best that I
can. I absolutely love what I do and enjoy it when I see the smiles on our customers faces,” replies
Cobell modestly.
While Caroline has been cooking for crowds since the ’70’s, an opportunity to learn the art of making
tamales opened up a whole new aspect of her culinary expertise. “My sister was married to a Mexican;
his mother wanted to teach her how to make tamales, and I went along. My sister quit early; I stayed
and helped make 30 dozen tamales!” recalls Cobell. The brother-in-law is long gone, while Caroline’s
reputation as a tamale queen has grown exponentially.
“Being a first generation Mexican-American, I know a thing or two about tamales, and Caroline is the
REAL deal,” asserts Jose Cavazos-Dungan. “Her masa is seasoned deliciously and is consistent in flavor
with what my family in Mexico has been cranking out for generations! Her creativity shines by way of
her diverse filling offerings. From her traditional pork, to Texan flavors like her brisket tamales, from
Mexican flavors like roasted poblano pepper and chicken, to my favorite, chicken cream cheese and
jalapeño…trust me, taste for yourself! I’ve told Caroline Cobell that she’s Mexican and just doesn’t know
it!”
At the urging of friends, and her personal health issues, Caroline was driven to develop a line of Keto
Tamales. Using coconut flour and flax meal, Cobell came up with three tamale flavors: Chicken Cream
Cheese Jalapeño, Traditional Pork, and Tejas Brisket. “They are as close to a traditional tamale as you
can get and still stay keto compliant,” promises Caroline’s website.
Step into the intimate bakery/diner, and place your order for a hot and savory lunch of tamales served
with chili gravy and shredded cheese, a keto tamale version, or a keto soup and sandwich. Brandi McRill
recommends Caroline’s Bean and Cheese Tamales, calling them “The BEST I’ve ever tasted…masa
seasoned to perfection.” Like the spice of life? HellGate, pork carnitas are very spicy, and have a
distinctive black masa, colored with squid ink. Not convinced? Caroline’s C-4, made with Carolina
Reaper, scorpion powders, and ghost peppers, is billed as the Hottest Tamale in Texas, and requires a
waiver!
Caroline’s Sweets are certain to please the taste buds of the Keto crowd with such offerings of muffins
and cupcakes, Turtle, Banana Nut and Cheesecake Swirl brownies, cake “Fat Balls,” and even a Keto Ding
Dong! “If your heart is set on a specific item, call ahead to ensure it is not sold out,” advises Feroza
Saidwan-Carvalho.
Metta Marie Archilla calls Caroline Cobell “…a boss babe, an inspiration of what a balanced life is
between being a mother, wife, friend and the owner of a successful Tamale and Keto bake shop. No
better tamale have I found; the ratio of masa to filling is perfectly balanced!”
Kris Thompson-Barker reaps her own praise on Caroline’s Kitchen. “Caroline cares about the quality of
her tamales and baked goods; you can taste it. More than that, she cares about her customers. She
creates a personal connection with every customer that comes through that door! Seriously though,
they’re the best tamales I’ve had here in Houston, made with good ingredients and lots of love! Go see
Caroline, the drive is SO worth it!”
